I am the crochet and knitwear designer, and tech editor behind KnitDesigns by Tian. I live in a small town in Western Massachusetts with my fantasy author husband, Daniel and son, Aidan. Teaching is at the heart of how I approach design. While my style tends toward classic shapes and silhouettes, my designs are intended to provide learning opportunities featuring interesting and unique details.
 instagram.com/knitdesignsbytian
From the February 2018 issue
You don’t have to compromise style when it comes to this classic hat design. Featuring a blue and white checkered pattern and a folded up brim, the hat is made complete with a bright yellow flower.
View ProjectFrom the December 2017 issue
These simple fingerless mitts work up fast. Make for a gift or to match your wardrobe.
Be sure to check out the tour of the Harrisville Mill over in the December issue of I Like Knitting. Want to try your hand at knitting? There’s a free knit pattern for these gloves over on the I Like
View ProjectHi Carol,
You are crocheting along, row after row, the afghan bunched on your lap. You finally open up the afghan to look at your work only to notice it’s gotten narrower. This happens to beginner and experienced crocheters alike. It is not an uncommon occurrence. Don’t panic. There are a few things you can do.
There
View ProjectFrom the October 2017 issue
Hi Carol,
I use to never block my finished crochet projects. I didn’t understand the point of it. I would finish a project and be so excited, and impatient, to wear or send off to its intended recipient. But after many years of crocheting I’ve come to learn the noticeable transformation blocking makes on the final
View ProjectFrom the August 2017 issue
Crocheters love motifs. Motifs are fun, great little projects to carry around, and quick to complete for that instant gratification. They also offer so much versatility in shape, color, and texture. The possibilities are endless.
But motifs can be tricky to work. And Carol, you are not alone in your quest to make those corners not
View ProjectFrom the August 2017 issue
Turn a simple tunic into a unique work of art with gorgeous floral hexagon motifs at the neckline and side slits at hem. Using cotton thread, this tunic is lightweight and comfortable for summer evenings.
View ProjectFrom the August 2017 issue
Colorful granny square motifs make the top of this tunic truly amazing. When transitioning to fall, this is a great top to pair with leggings when it’s just a little cold out but summer is still lingering.
View ProjectFrom the August 2017 issue
Take this classic motif and bag style and make it modern and fresh with these fun and bright colors. It’s the perfect summer bag for all of your adventures.
View ProjectFrom the June 2017 issue
We all lose track of where we left off with our projects from time to time. We live in a time where everything moves so fast and sometimes our crochet suffers for it. Things come up. We put our work down because our child needs something or the phone rings. It happens. I know it
View ProjectFrom the April 2017 issue
Timelessly classy, this short-sleeved cardigan is perfect for those invigorating spring days spent at a café or strolling through the park. The yoke is a simple lace pattern worked with interval chain space rows, and the whole piece is worked from the top down.
View Project
